The Hospice of St Francis – Hospice News – April 2019
We’re 40!
Wow! We’re 40 years old this June! We’re privileged to have touched so many lives in our community over the past 40 years and we’d love your continued support so we can be here for the next 40 years.
Back in 1979, faith, belonging and coffee stirred The Originals, a group of dedicated and driven volunteers led by Pam Macpherson, to start a Hospice. Then, on 6th June a silent prayer vigil, held at St Peter’s Church in Berkhamsted (our official birthday!) was the catalyst that spurred more supporters including people like Angela Russell-Smith, Erica Hughes, Beryl Langley, and Vera Pullen into action.
‘Snowball’ coffee mornings raised £20,000 by March 1980. Not bad for a minimum donation of 25p, £1.25 in today’s money! This led to the first patient home visits and in our first full year we looked after 21 people.
Check out our website for more stories from our 40 years and to share your stories and precious memories of the last 40 years with us – stfrancis.org.uk/40
Join our Birthday Skydive!
Like us, are you celebrating a special birthday, anniversary or date this year? Mark the occasion whilst supporting us by joining our Birthday Skydive on Sunday 7 July. We’d love your support! stfrancis.org.uk/skydive
Let’s Talk about Dementia
Join us to talk about dementia at the Civic Centre, Berkhamsted on Wednesday 1 May at 7.30pm. Speakers include Dr Tammy Angel, Clinical Director of Elderly Care at West Herts Hospitals Trust and our own Medical Director, Dr Sharon Chadwick, who will address issues such as planning ahead so you get the care that you want and how palliative care teams can help to support you. Open to all, including health care professionals, tickets cost £10. Stfrancis.org.uk/dementiatalk
Care for Carers
Brenda Scott-Oldfield is a full-time carer to her husband Bob, 71, who has a rare brain disease causing him to fall without warning. Our Carer team put together a bespoke support programme. Brenda said, “I attended the Hospice’s Care Towards the End of Life Course. It was useful to hear other people’s experiences, access information on legal matters and focus on my own wellbeing. Since then I’ve taken part in a Practical Caring Course, which provided useful tips on things like back care and how to move someone when they’re in bed. Knowing there is always someone there I can ask for advice as I face the future and as Bob’s illness deteriorates is hugely reassuring.”
To find out more about referring yourself for support either for yourself as a carer, or as a patient, visit: stfrancis.org.uk/care
Spring Workshops!
From floral displays to reupholstering, we have workshops this Spring to suit budding interior designers and crafters at our pre-loved furniture and homeware showroom Returned to Glory in Berkhamsted. Stfrancis.org.uk/returnedtoglory. And, for latest ‘finds’ and trend news, don’t forget to follow @ReturnedtoGlory on Facebook.
Bubble Rush – Sunday 12 May, Gadebridge Park, Hemel Hempstead
Anyone from tots to teens, grown-ups to grandparents, can have fun running 5km through masses of multi-coloured bubbles, fundraising and creating special memories together. Aram Kamjoufor, six, from Hemel Hempstead said “I’d never run as far as that before and it was hard but I really enjoyed the bubbles. The best thing about them was that they turned my skin green!”
Forthcoming Diary Dates
Markyate Plant Sale – Saturday 18 May
Ashridge Garden Party – Sun 23 June, 1pm – 5pm, Ashridge House
Facebook @The Hospice of St Francis
Instagram@ HospiceStFrancis
Twitter @hospicstfrancis
Tel: 01442 869555
